After traveling across the Iberian Peninsula for over 15 years, I’ve discovered many favorite spots. Here are my top must-visit destinations in Spain that I highly recommend.

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Best Spanish Travel Destinations to Visit

Favorite places in Spain from a local

In this list, you will find all the places in Spain that I enjoyed enough to return to. While there are many amazing destinations in Spain, these always make me gravitate back. Please keep in mind that this is just a personal opinion from someone with extensive travel experience across the country – there’s no absolute truth when it comes to the best places to visit in Spain (like with Madrid or Barcelona debate). If there’s one thing we humans have in common, it’s our subjectivity, and travel is no exception. The most beautiful places on the planet don’t always live up to our personal expectations (as happened to me in Cinque Terre), while lesser-known destinations can unexpectedly become our all-time favorites, as was the case with many underrated cities and secret small towns in Spain.

Therefore, my personal list of must-visit Spanish destinations doesn’t necessarily align with ‘The Most Epic Landmarks in Spain,’ ‘The Best Fairytale Locations,’ or ‘The Ultimate Spain Bucket List‘.

My 8 Must-visit Spanish Destinations

1. The Pyrenees of Spain

The numerous articles on my blog about the Pyrenees speak for themselves. The breathtaking beauty of this mountain range keeps drawing me back at least once a year. To be completely honest, once my kids are grown, I might even consider moving to one of the beautiful small towns in the Spanish Pyrenees. The Pyrenees offer a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm. Stretching along Spain’s northern border, these majestic mountains boast some of the country’s most stunning landscapes and national parks. The region is also steeped in history, with medieval villages, ancient monasteries, and a fascinating blend of Spanish and French influences. Not to mention the delicious mountain cuisine, which preserves its local character and remains unspoiled by mass tourism.

2. Madrid and Toledo

Located just 30 minutes from Madrid, Toledo is equally stunning in its own right. This picturesque medieval town was Spain’s capital until 1561. What I love most about Toledo is its rich historical background, full of legends, mysteries, and multicultural influences, alongside its dazzling architecture. The Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo is one of Spain’s most beautiful cathedrals, and the remarkable Museo del Greco is a must-visit for art lovers. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Toledo is brimming with picture-perfect spots. It’s often called the ‘city of three cultures,’ as Islamic, Christian, and Jewish communities lived here side by side for centuries – something quite rare in Catholic Spain during the Middle Ages. This multicultural legacy is beautifully reflected in the city’s architecture. Toledo is one of Spain’s top must-visit destinations, and I highly recommend you don’t miss it.

3. Seville

If there were one city in Spain I could choose to keep visiting for the rest of my life, it would be Seville. As one of the main gems of the Spanish province of Andalusia, Seville is both vibrant and quietly charming. Whether you’re looking for a solo city break, a fun trip with friends, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway in Spain, Seville always fits the bill. For first-time visitors, Seville offers everything Spain is famous for: expressive flamenco, delicious tapas, lively fiestas, stunning architecture, and iconic landmarks. Moreover, you can easily explore the surrounding region with day trips, as Southern Spain boasts many breathtaking destinations.

While Seville is quite popular with tourists, it gets around 2 million visitors each year (vs. 16-32 million annual visitors in Barcelona). For more details, check out my posts on spending one day in Seville and planning an epic weekend in Seville.

4. Tarifa

Tarifa is one of the most stunning locations in Spain, situated at the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Only 14 km separate Tarifa from Morocco, offering captivating views of the African continent. The area is renowned for some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, as well as for kitesurfing and whale-watching tours. The charming town of Tarifa also boasts picturesque buildings, trendy cafes, and surfer shops. Another popular activity, due to its proximity to Morocco, is a day trip to Tangier by ferry – something still on my travel bucket list. For more details, check out my Tarifa Beach Getaway post.

5. The Canary Islands

Another unique destination in Spain to visit at least once in a lifetime is the Canary Islands. This group of exotic islands lies in the heart of the Atlantic, approximately 1,000 km from the Spanish Peninsula and only 150 km from the African continent. As a result, you can enjoy the perks of being in Europe while experiencing a setting that feels quite exotic. Stepping onto the otherworldly volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote and Tenerife will make you feel like you’re traveling to the moon. On the Canary Islands, you’ll find everything from beautiful beaches to magical forests and volcanoes (check out this post to discover the most unique places of the archipelago). It’s also a fantastic destination to explore Spain with kids or to visit in winter.

6. Asturias

Asturias is one of Spain’s epic destinations due to its stunning blend of natural beauty, dramatic cliffs, and unspoiled charm. Nestled along the Atlantic coastline, the region is a popular stop on any Northern Spain road trip. home to one of Spain’s first national parks, Picos de Europa, known for its breathtaking landscapes, beautiful lakes, and epic hikes. Additionally, the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Covadonga in Asturias holds a very special place in Spanish history. You can read more about Asturias in these posts: Is Asturias Worth Visiting?, 3-Day Asturias Itinerary, and Best Fishing Villages in Asturias.

7. Ibiza and Formentera

For those of you craving the Caribbean vibes every once in a while, Formentera is the answer. This tiny Balearic island is beloved by international celebrities and soccer stars. Formentera is a lot like the magical Blue Lagoon in Cyprus, but much more private. The island has a limited number of hotels and fewer than 10,000 residents, making it one of the most exclusive islands in Spain. On Formentera, you can enjoy some of the best beaches in the country. The island is easily accessible by ferry from Ibiza (and also from Valencia or Denia during the summer months). Read more about my magical weekend in Formentera in this post.

However, if you’re traveling in the off-season, Ibiza also has plenty to offer as it is a natural paradise all year round. While Formentera may be more about exclusivity, in peak season, Ibiza is known for its vibrant nightlife. Plus, as the island itself is larger than Formentera, there are more things to see and do.

8. San Sebastian

Spain’s Basque Country is one of the best dining destinations in the world, boasting 40 Michelin-starred restaurants within just 21,000 square kilometers. The city of San Sebastián is a true gem of the region and it’s been one of my favorite places on the Iberian Peninsula for years. The culinary scene in San Sebastián is centered around its famous pintxos – diverse mini-bites displayed for you to choose from. But beyond its exceptional food culture, San Sebastián is undeniably beautiful. Check out my one-day and three-day itineraries for San Sebastián.

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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

• Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
• Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide, and Viator
• Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
• Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
• For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
• Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
• Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
• Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
• Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
• Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
• Top E-Sim: GigSky helps me to avoid roaming fees and provides connectivity everywhere (even on a cruise ship)
• Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
• Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
• Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
• Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
• Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
• Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
• Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
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